All-Season Adventure & Ski Park near Almaty
Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort, formerly known by its Russian name Lesnaya Skazka (“Forest Fairy Tale”), is a magical all-season mountain resort that combines skiing with a wealth of outdoor adventures. It is situated in the scenic Oi-Qaragai gorge of the Ile-Alatau range, roughly 30–40 km east of Almaty (about a 40-minute drive).
The resort sits at a base altitude of 1,550 m, with ski lifts reaching ~1,820 m elevation. Oi-Qaragai is unique in Kazakhstan for its blend of eco-tourism, cultural flair, and modern amenities. Open year-round, it offers everything from skiing and snowboarding in winter to hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking in summer.
In winter, Oi-Qaragai boasts 13 km of ski slopes groomed for all levels. The name “Lesnaya Skazka” is fitting – the resort is nestled in a dense Tian Shan fir forest, creating a fairytale ambiance with snow-laden evergreens and charming wood-and-stone architecture.
Beyond skiing, visitors come to Oi-Qaragai to experience its rope parks, zip-lines, ethno-cultural displays, and even wellness retreats in a serene mountain environment. It’s a family-friendly destination that appeals equally to adventure seekers and those looking for a peaceful retreat in nature.
Ski Slopes and Winter Sports
The ski area at Oi-Qaragai is relatively compact but well-designed, with around 13 km of pistes spread across the forested slopes. These include easy green runs for novices, a good selection of intermediate blue and red runs, and a couple of short black-grade sections for advanced skiers.
The vertical drop is modest (~270 m from top to bottom, 1550 m to 1820 m altitude), which means runs are not extremely long or steep – perfect for leisurely skiing and for learners to progress skills. The slopes tend to be sheltered by trees, reducing wind and providing a picturesque setting as you glide through snow-draped pines.
Skiers often praise the well-maintained trails and the absence of heavy crowds on weekdays. For snowboarders, there is a small snowpark area with jumps and rails (set up during peak season) to practice freestyle tricks. The resort also offers night skiing on certain evenings: the lower slopes are illuminated, taking on a magical glow among the trees – a truly enchanting experience.
In addition to downhill skiing, Oi-Qaragai provides other winter activities: sledding hills for kids, snow tubing, snowshoeing routes in the woods, and even horse-drawn sleigh rides that accentuate the fairytale feel.
Because of its moderate terrain, Oi-Qaragai is highly recommended for beginners and families; even the steepest run here is forgiving compared to the higher, more technical slopes at Shymbulak. Many local instructors actually advise first learning at Oi-Qaragai before tackling bigger resorts.
Facilities and Attractions
Oi-Qaragai is more than just a ski area – it’s a full-fledged mountain resort complex with extensive facilities. On the skiing side, the resort has 11 ski lifts (a mix of chairlifts, platter lifts, and conveyor lifts) ensuring quick access to the trails. Modern snowmaking machines and grooming equipment keep the pistes in good condition when natural snowfall is light.
The rental center provides skis, snowboards, helmets, and even sleds, while the ski school offers lessons for children and adults (including English-speaking instructors upon request). What truly sets Oi-Qaragai apart are its unique attractions off the slopes: the resort is home to the world’s largest yurt (a giant traditional Kazakh nomadic dwelling) located on site, which serves as an events hall and cultural exhibit.
Scattered among the trees are whimsical treehouses and cottages that serve as lodging – these creatively designed accommodations have garnered international attention as top eco-hotel experiences. For thrill-seekers, Oi-Qaragai offers one of Central Asia’s longest zip-line trolley parks, the “Spirit of the Tien Shan” zip-line, which spans the gorge and provides an adrenaline-pumping ride above the forest.
There’s also a high-ropes course and via ferrata for climbing enthusiasts in summer. After a day of activity, guests can unwind at the UMAI ethno-spa, where wellness treatments (like hot stone massages and traditional sauna/yurt baths) rejuvenate tired muscles. Dining options abound: the resort features multiple cafes and restaurants serving local Kazakh cuisine (think hearty stews, grilled meats, and warm flatbread) as well as European dishes.
A particularly charming spot is the alpine-style restaurant with panoramic windows overlooking the slopes, and an outdoor terrace lit with fairy lights in the evenings. The Ugusha children’s center on-site ensures younger guests stay entertained with supervised play areas, mini-zoos, and workshops.
All paths through the resort are well-lit and decorated, so at night the entire “Lesnaya Skazka” truly feels like a winter fairy tale village with twinkling lights in the trees and live music or entertainment programs on weekends.
Accessibility
Located in the Almaty region’s Talgar district, Oi-Qaragai is reachable by car or resort shuttle. From Almaty International Airport, it’s about 40 km to the resort (a 40–50 minute drive). The route follows Al-Farabi Avenue and then the Eastern Bypass road out of Almaty, heading into the Talgar Gorge; clear signage points to the turnoff for Oi-Qaragai at about the 28 km mark from the city, and the final approach is a gentle climb through the forest to the resort entrance.
Many visitors use taxis or ride-sharing (like Yandex Go) to reach the resort; typical fare from Almaty city center is around 5,000–7,000 KZT, which is quite reasonable when split among a group. Additionally, Oi-Qaragai operates (or partners with) a shuttle bus service (#210) from the city on weekends and holidays, allowing those without cars to visit conveniently.
Once at the resort, everything is within walking distance via footpaths – from the parking area, wooden boardwalks lead you through the “village” area with accommodations and restaurants, up to the ski lifts at the base of the slopes.
What Makes Oi-Qaragai Special:
Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort offers a holistic mountain experience that goes beyond skiing. It’s often praised as a place where you can “have it all in one trip”: adrenaline, relaxation, culture, and nature. For skiers and snowboarders, the manageable slopes and smaller crowds mean you can really enjoy your runs and improve skills in a stress-free setting – perfect for families with kids or novice skiers.
The resort’s emphasis on cultural authenticity (e.g., the huge yurt and ethnic decor) gives foreign visitors a taste of Kazakh heritage along with their winter sports. Imagine waking up in a cozy treehouse chalet, skiing all afternoon, then spending the evening in a steaming outdoor hot tub or traditional sauna tent, gazing at stars – that’s the kind of memorable experience Oi-Qaragai delivers.
It’s a place where modern comfort meets rustic charm. Moreover, Oi-Qaragai is known for hosting corporate retreats, team-building events, and weddings – its facilities are that diverse. The resort actively brands itself as an all-season destination: in summer, it’s equally vibrant with horseback riding, an extensive mountain bike park (the largest in Central Asia), archery, and kids’ summer camps.
This means the staff and infrastructure are well-maintained year-round, and the resort feels alive and not just a seasonal outpost. From an international skier’s perspective, Oi-Qaragai is a hidden gem – you get the enchantment of a smaller Alpine village (with snow-clad fir trees and wooden chalets) combined with Central Asian warmth and hospitality.
It’s also worth noting the value: prices for lodging, food, and activities here are often lower than at major Western resorts, yet the quality remains high. Whether you’re an expat living in Almaty or a tourist seeking an off-the-beaten-path ski adventure, Oi-Qaragai promises both adventure and relaxation in equal measure.
In short, if you want to ski in Kazakhstan but also zip-line through a forest, stay in a luxury yurt, and indulge in spa treatments – all in one trip – Oi-Qaragai is the resort for you.
Oi-Qaragai Key Facts
- Distance from Airport: Roughly 40 km from Almaty International Airport (ALA), reachable in about 45 minutes by car. It is about 35 km from Almaty city center to the resort’s location in Besqaynar (Talgar district). The drive is straightforward on paved roads; shuttle bus service (#210) from Almaty may be available on weekends.
- Total Slope Length: 13 km of ski slopes for alpine skiing and snowboarding. The ski area elevation ranges from ~1,550 m to 1,820 m. Slopes are mostly beginner and intermediate level, making it an excellent learning mountain (maximum slope angle ~35°). The winter sports zone also includes sledding hills and short cross-country trails.
- Number of Lifts: 11 lifts in total, including multiple chairlifts and surface lifts that cover the various sections of the resort. Lift infrastructure is modern and can handle visitor flow well (no long lines except perhaps on holiday weekends).
- Ski Pass Cost: Full-day adult ski pass ~17,500 KZT on weekends (approximately $35), with slightly lower rates on weekdays. Half-day or session passes are available: e.g. a morning (09:00–13:00) or afternoon (13:00–17:00) session costs around 13,000–14,000 KZT for adults. Evening/night skiing (19:00–23:00) is ~12,000 KZT. Children (ages 7–14) pay about 5,000 KZT for a day pass on weekends. (Prices are for 2025 season and may fluctuate; rental equipment is additional.)
- Accommodation: A variety of lodging options on-site: hotel rooms, alpine cottages, “glamping” style yurts, and luxury treehouse suites. Prices range from ~35,000 KZT for standard rooms to higher rates for unique stays (tree houses/yurts). Overnight capacity is limited, so booking in advance is recommended, especially in peak season. Staying overnight allows guests to enjoy early-morning slopes and evening activities fully.
- Amenities: Numerous amenities making it a full-service resort: multiple restaurants and cafés (serving Kazakh, Asian, and European cuisine), equipment rental and repair shop, ski school, Umai Wellness & Spa (with sauna, massage, hot tubs in traditional style), Spirit of Tien Shan zip-line park (3rd longest in the world), high ropes adventure park, horseback riding stables, kids’ club (Ugusha Children’s Activity Center), conference and event facilities (including the giant yurt for ceremonies), and a gift shop. In summer, there is an extensive mountain bike park with 11 trails (served by lifts), making Oi-Qaragai a year-round destination.
- Notable: Oi-Qaragai often hosts cultural festivals, holiday celebrations, and sports events. It emphasizes eco-tourism and has been recognized for its unique accommodations and sustainable design. The resort’s name change (Lesnaya Skazka to Oi-Qaragai) reflects Kazakhstan’s initiative to incorporate Kazakh language and identity; “Oi-Qaragai” refers to the local gorge. The blend of adventure park and ski resort is unparalleled in the region, offering an experience akin to a theme park in nature. International visitors laud the resort for its Instagram-worthy sights (like the treehouses and panoramic swings) and the chance to experience a modern ski holiday infused with Kazakh culture.